Ford Says It Can Survive, Pins Hopes on New F-150
October 31, 2008 - The Ford Company introduced its new F-150 yesterday and insists that unlike General Motors and Chrysler, it does not need to talk merger to survive the current economic downturn.

New Ford Hybrids Boost Speed, Range
October 30, 2008 - Ford's new versions of the Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids will boast a top electric speed of 47 mph and an all-electric range of eight miles as well as a host of new efficiency features.

Gasoline Prices Reach Three-Year Low
October 29, 2008 - Figures released by AAA indicate that gasoline in the United States has reached its lowest level in three years, dropping in cost for 42 consecutive days to an average $2.589 a gallon.

Government Considers Possible Avenues of Assistance to Carmakers
October 28, 2008 - The Bush administration is weighing options to funnel cash into the American automotive industry, in particular to support General Motors until a merger agreement with Chrysler can be reached.

Gas Prices Fall on Lowered Crude, Less Demand
October 27, 2008 - Gasoline prices in the United States fell 53 cents from October 10 to October 24, the largest decline in the 60-year history of the Lundberg survey.

Edmunds Predicts Disastrous October for Auto Sales
October 24, 2008 - With the automotive industry poised to report what could be a 29 percent drop in sales for October, forecasters predict the worst year overall since 1980.

Chrysler Sends Mixed Signals
October 23, 2008 - Chrysler LLC is sending mixed signals about its stability while making moves to close an assembly plant, discussing a merger with GM, and admitting its share of Daimler AG's third quarter losses.

Rumors Circulate of Possible Chrysler, Nissan Deal
October 22, 2008 - An unconfirmed rumor is making its way through automotive circles that Nissan is seeking to acquire a 20 percent stake in Chrysler.

Kerkorian Backs Away from Ford
October 21, 2008 - After acquiring a 6.5 percent share of Ford in June, billionaire Kirk Kerkorian has begun selling off his stock as the company's sales have dropped 17 percent in the first nine months of 2008.

Car Makers, Dealers Work to Keep Inventory Under Control
October 20, 2008 - Both carmakers and dealerships are successfully keeping a sharp eye on inventory in the face of radically slumping sales, tight financing, and weak consumer confidence.

Talk of GM, Chrysler Merger Intensifies
October 17, 2008 - Major news sources are reporting an intensification of talks between Cerberus Capital Management LP and General Motors about a proposed GM / Chrysler merger, potentially by month's end.

GM Launches Campaign to Ease Buyer Anxiety
October 16, 2008 - Attempting to ease the fears of American customers, General Motors will launch a marketing campaign Friday called "Financing That Fits," advocating, for the first time, auto loan options other than GMAC.

Finance Companies to Seek Government Buy Out of Bad Loans
October 15, 2008 - With defaults on car loans on the rise due to the weakness of the credit market in the United States, leading finance companies plan to seek a government buy out of bad debts.

Gas Prices Fall on Recession Fears, Changed Consumer Habits
October 14, 2008 - As Americans struggle with fears of a global recession and react with changed driving and buying habits, the price of gasoline has fallen to $3.30 per gallon on average.

GM Stock Surges on Talk of Potential Merger
October 13, 2008 - With governments around the world taking steps to bolster the banking community and talk of a potential merger for General Motors, the company's shares picked up a 32 percent gain in early trading Monday.

GM Denies Rumors of Bankruptcy
October 10, 2008 - Although stock in General Motors is down to prices not seen since the 1950s, the company has denied rumors of a bankruptcy filing as "exaggerated and unconstructive."

Automotive Industry's Hard Times to Grow Harder
October 09, 2008 - With lowered sales forecasts for 2008 and 2009, key automotive industry analysts, including J.D. Power, see no relief in sight for the troubled sector hard hit by the current economic crisis.

Analysts in Japan Predicting 40% Drop for Toyota
October 08, 2008 - Analysts in Japan are predicting a 40 percent decline in annual profits for Toyota, the world's largest automaker, hit hard by high fuel costs and falling sales in the U.S. and around the world.

GM Cuts Production in Europe to Fight Falling Sales
October 07, 2008 - Over the protests of union leaders, General Motors will close all but one of its European plants from October 20-31 to lower inventory in the face of falling sales numbers.

Electric Vehicles on Display in Paris Generate Interest
October 06, 2008 - Electric vehicles of various types were on display last week at the Paris auto show with makers promising to have products in the showroom by 2010, with mass production by 2012.

Toyota Responds to Sales Drop with Zero Percent Loans
October 03, 2008 - In response to a one month sales drop of 32 percent for September, Toyota is over zero percent loans on Matrix, Corolla, Camry, RAV4, Highlander, FJ Cruiser, 4Runner, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, and Tundra models.

Automotive Industry Posts Lowest Numbers in Fifteen Years
October 02, 2008 - In figures released on Wednesday, October 1, the American automotive industry posted its lowest sales figures in fifteen years, dropping an average 27 percent.

Analysts Predict Rough Sales Reports Today
October 01, 2008 - All analysts are in agreement that the September sales figures to be reported by major auto makers today will be grim in the face of continued high fuel costs, tight credit, and growing consumer fears.